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Thursday, February 2, 2012

Monkshood

Aconitum

A genus of perennials that are closely related to the Delphiniums.All parts of the plant are very toxic and must not be eaten by humans or pets. It is also best not to get the poisonous juices in open wounds.Monkshood prefers full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil. They prefer cool summers and especially hate hot summer nights.Mulching during spring to keep the roots cool is recommended, non-invasive groundcover will also help keep the roots cool.Prune off faded foliage during summer to encourage new growth during cooler weather as autumn approaches. Insect and disease problems may occur, these including aphids, rust, mildew, stem rot and wilt. Rabbit and deer avoid them. They do not like root disturbance however division can be done during late autumn or early spring while dormant then replanted at the same depth. They will rot if planted too deep.

Aconitum baicalense ( Baikal Monkshood )
A perennial, reaching up to 5 feet in height, that is native to eastern Siberia, south into Mongolia.
The palmate leaves are up to 4 x 6 inches in size.
The blue or purplish-blue flowers, up to 1.3 inches across, are borne over a period lasting up to 4 weeks during early to mid-summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in partial shade on moist, well drained soil.

Aconitum carmichaelii ( Autumn Monkshood )Also called A. fischeri. An upright perennial, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 4 feet, that is native to China.The leathery, toothed, 3 to 5 lobed leaves, up to 6 inches across, are glossy deep green above, pale beneath. The attractive foliage generally reaches no higher than 2 feet on the stem.The blue, purplish-pink or white flowers are borne on short, dense spikes during early autumn.Hardy zones 2 to 7 in full sun to partial shade. Staking may be required for taller varieties on windy sites.

* photos taken on Oct 22 2013 in Towson, MD

'Arendsii'Reaches a maximum size of 6 x 4 feet, with attractive lobed foliage that is glossy green and remains attractive all season long.The showy, deep blue, hooded flowers are borne on sturdy spikes during early to mid autumn, often persisting until autumn frosts.The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on cool, moist, fertile, well drained soil.

* photo taken during October 2010 in Howard County, MD* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europe's premier plant nursery

'Barkers Variety'Reaching a maximum size of 7 ( often only 3 ) x 4 feet with intense violet-blue flowers borne late summer into early autumn. It often breeds true from seed.

'Blue Bishop'
Reaches up to 6 feet with violet-blue flowers.

var. 'wilsonii'Vigorous and taller, reaching up to 8 feet, with purplish-blue flowers borne mid-summer into early autumn.

Aconitum columbianum
Similar in appearance to A. carmichaelii, it reaches up to 3 feet.
The flowers are white or blue.
Hardy zones 4 to 5.

* USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

* photo taken by Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Aconitum episcopale ( Climbing Monkshood )
A twining, herbaceous perennial vine, reaching up to 20 feet each season. It is native to Sichuan Province in China.
The deeply-lobed leaves are large. The foliage is glossy mid-green.
The hooded, violet-blue flowers are borne late summer into early autumn.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on just about any well drained soil. It prefers moist soil but will tolerate drought once established.

Aconitum fischeriA perennial, reaching up to 6 x 3 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, that is native to Siberia and Korea.The glossy leaves resemble that of the Silver Maple in shape.The showy, blue flowers are borne all summer long.Hardy zones 4 to 6 in partial shade.

'Bi-color'Reaches up to 5 feet in height, with showy blue and white flowers borne during summer.

'Bressingham Spire'Compact and very upright in habit, reaching up to 3.3 x 3 feet, with deep purplish-blue flowers borne on long sturdy spikes during mid to late summer, often persisting into autumn. It does not need staking.

'Rubellum'Reaches up to 3.5 feet in height, with pale pink flowers borne early to mid summer.It is sometimes mixed in plantings with the regular blue flowering species.

Aconitum pyrenaicum ( Yellow Monkshood )Also called Aconitum lamarckii.A perennial, reaching a maximum height of 5 feet, that is native to Europe.The pale-yellow flowers are borne all summer long.Hardy zones 2 to 6 in partial shade. It is very easy to grow.

Aconitum raddeanum
A perennial, reaching up to 4.5 feer in height, that is native to far eastern Russia as well as the far northern China.
The deeply-lobed palmate leaves shaped like that of the Silver Maple are up to 3.5 x 4 inches in size.
The purplish-blue flowers are borne on upright spikes during mid-summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 6 ( est ) in partial shade on well drained soil.

Aconitum septentrionale 'Ivorine'Also called Aconitum vulparia 'Ivorine'. A compact perennial, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 3.3 feet, with creamy-white, hooded flowers borne on short spikes during late summer into early autumn. The parent species is native to Europe.The leaves are up to 9 inches across.Hardy zones 2 to 6 in partial shade.

Aconitum tauricumA perennial, that is native to mountains in Italy.The attractive foliage is dissected.The purple flowers are borne on dense clusters.

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About Me

Horticulturalist / Landscape Designer with degree from St Clair College in Ontario, Canada plus 15 years horticultural / design experience plus 5 years nursery sales experience. I currently reside in Baltimore, Maryland. Specializing in landscape design, research and development of new landscape plants, reintroduction of rare and endangered plants into the landscape trade and promoting conservation of existing wild populations. Any inquiries about consultation / design / employment can be directed to RSLandscape2010@gmail.com or
301-379-4880
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